TITLE: "HIDE AND SEEK"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: None.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Sequel to "CAPTAINS OUTRAGEOUS".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

WEBSITE: None. All Firefly stories archived at Fireflyfans.net

SUMMARY: "River tries to get Serenity off the ground but

can't get through to Simon. Meanwhile, the Captain ends up

taking the job on Cheverell."

The usual disclaimers apply. The characters and 'Firefly'

are the property and gift of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy.

No infringement of copyright is intended.

"HIDE AND SEEK"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

It was at times like this that Simon Tam felt the edges of his own sanity fray. Much as he loved his sister to the point of distraction he hated seeing her like this. Half lucid and teetering on the brink of crazy and yet there was also the bright spark of intelligence that would flicker through the almost incomprehensible babble and give him hope.

"River, you need to take your medication."

She backed away. "*Ni bu dong*, we have to fly. Leave the bugs behind."

"The others aren't back yet. We'll take off when they return, I promise."

Her vision sharpened momentarily, eyes fixing on his. "You can't make promises someone else has to keep."

Shepherd Book watched the interplay between the two siblings. "Perhaps we could play a game of cards while we wait for the Captain to return?"

The girl ignored him, getting more agitated not less. Simon crept closer and as he did so River stepped back. Pace for pace, they were getting nowhere. All that was happening was that she was getting more upset.

"River, what do you think will happen?" The Shepherd asked, more curious than concerned.

It took a moment or two for her to give him her attention, one eye staying fixed on Simon in case he made a leap for her. Needles never